The Quebec government has decided to prolong its e-scooter pilot program until 2028, despite objections from medical professionals who assert that the existing regulations are insufficient in safeguarding children against severe injuries.
Initially launched in 2023, the original pilot program permits individuals aged 14 and above to operate e-scooters on roads with speed limits below 50 km/h and on bike paths, with mandatory helmet usage. These rules will remain in effect alongside new limitations starting on July 18, such as a maximum speed cap of 25 km/h for e-scooters. Violating this speed limit could lead to a $200 fine imposed by law enforcement.
The Ministry of Transport states that these modifications were shaped by research findings and feedback collected throughout the pilot period, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. According to a statement provided to CBC by the ministry, “Speed is a key factor in the severity of accidents.”
Debbie Friedman, the director of the trauma center at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, highlights the prevalence of severe e-scooter-related accidents and has been advocating for stricter regulations on e-scooter usage. She emphasizes that the injuries sustained are often life-altering, encompassing brain trauma, abdominal injuries, facial wounds, dental damage, fractures, cuts, and sprains.
By mid-June this year, the hospital had treated 30 children for e-scooter injuries, many of whom were in critical condition requiring intensive care. This marks a significant increase compared to the total of 80 cases treated last year.
The hospital has persistently urged the government to implement substantial changes in e-scooter regulations, particularly concerning the age requirement. Friedman asserts that nearly 60% of children with severe injuries are under 14 and advocates for raising the minimum age to 16, aligning with most other Canadian provinces where e-scooters are legal, and mandating the use of motocross helmets for enhanced safety.
Moreover, she proposes subjecting e-scooters to similar regulations as mopeds, which demand a license for operation in Quebec, stressing the potential dangers of sharing roads with motor vehicles.
Magali Bebronne, the programs director at Vélo Québec, supports the reevaluation of age restrictions for e-scooters, citing discrepancies with e-bike regulations. She emphasizes the importance of safety measures and physical activity benefits associated with e-bikes compared to e-scooters.
Bebronne acknowledges concerns raised by cyclists and e-bike riders regarding e-scooter speeds, which can lead to safety issues and discomfort among path users. She anticipates that the revised rules will discourage speeding and enhance enforcement mechanisms.
The Ministry of Transport emphasizes its commitment to road safety and aims to ensure the responsible use of personal motorized transportation devices while fostering safe coexistence with other road users. Public awareness campaigns on age requirements and speed limits are also underway.
Friedman underscores the necessity for the government to address her apprehensions seriously and advises parents to comprehend the risks associated with e-scooter riding before permitting their children to engage in such activities.
According to the Montreal police, the number of reported collisions involving vehicles and e-scooters has risen since the inception of the pilot program in 2023. Notably, there were 18 vehicle-e-scooter collisions in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 48 in 2025, including one fatal incident and multiple cases of serious and minor injuries. Inattention and failure to yield are cited as the primary contributing factors in these collisions.